Schools Out

SUMMER 2016

PEDAL POWER

SUMMER FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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School’s

Out

Contents

LET THE FUN BEGIN

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ith the warmer weather and longer days, now is the perfect time to get children trained up for the Weet-Bix TRYathlon if they are keen on giving it a go. Plus they will soon have a lot of time on their hands. The TRYathlon series is held all around the country – see our story (page 4) for details – and it is a superbly run event that gives children a sense of achievement as well as extra motivation to develop good exercise habits.

And there are plenty of places for children to run and cycle as part of their training because Auckland Transport is having a big push over the next three years to develop cycleways around the city and out into the suburbs to encourage people to get on their bikes or stretch their legs. Our story on (page 10) gives an idea of the improvements that are coming for people wanting to cycle around the city, especially for children biking to school.

Start planning for the Auckland Arts Festival – the organisers have heaps of inspirational events coming up next year (page 6). And think about getting your children to scrapbook their holidays or a family event .

Give it a try

Weet-Bix TRYathlon ........................page 4

Arty party

More Auckland Arts Festival fun .....page 6

Events calendar

What’s happening these holidays page 8-9

Pedal power

Safer city cycling ............................page 10

Cracker projects

Crafting for Christmas .................. page 12

As usual, crafting guru Jane Aubrey has lots of wonderful ideas for keeping kids busy and broadening their horizons (page 12).

Happy summer holidays!

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it a Every summer the Weet-Bix TRYathlon gives children the chance to challenge and extend themselves

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n its 24th year, the Weet-Bix TRYathlon is still going from strength to strength after it began with a single event at St Heliers Beach with 500 children taking part.

Last summer more than 24,000 children took part in the series, which now has 16 events across the country this summer – including Northland for the first time in 2015/16.

Sanitarium, the maker of Weet-Bix, manages and funds the event after deciding in 1992 that it wanted to help to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealand children.

The company aims to promote the importance of regular exercise, coupled with a nutritious balanced diet and maintain the “have-a-go” philosophy among children.

are divided into age groups (generally 7 years, 8-10, and 11-15). Swims usually range from 50m to 200m, cycle legs from 3km to 8km, and kids finish off with a run of 1km to 1.5km.

The series is open to 7-15-year-olds and kicks off on Wednesday at Manukau’s Mountfort Park where kids will do a swim (in the neighbouring aquatic centre), cycle and run.

Children can enter as individuals, as part of a team or family group, or as part of a school group, which sometimes has their entry fees subsidised. Individuals pay $35 to enter (if they get in early) but as much as $53 on the day if there is still room in the event. Individuals complete all three legs of the event or they can

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At the various events, the distances of the swim, cycle and run legs varies but they are longer for the older kids. Children

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5 But it’s not about the prizes and product.

Organisers aim to encourage exercise routines and healthy eating habits among children as well as boosting their confidence and self-esteem. The ultimate aim is improved physical and mental wellbeing among youngsters.

Last summer more than 24,000 children took part in the TRYathlon series, which is now run nationwide. team up with a friend to form a team of two. One team member will be the "swimmer" and the other the "cyclist", but both have to do the run.

For those who can’t afford the entry fees or the necessary equipment, the Weet-Bix Tryathlon Foundation was established in 2007 by Sanitarium staff to give underprivileged and disadvantaged children the chance to take part and enjoy the experience of achievement and success.

The foundation provides worthy nominees with a subsidy of entry fees to a TRYathlon event or subsidises equipment. Normally the equipment is donated to schools or community groups so that it can be shared.

Once registered, children receive an official T-shirt, swim cap, kit bag, and certificate and medal when they finish. They are also provided with a free breakfast on the day, and get the chance to meet sporting stars and win prizes. School groups can win some amazing prizes such as bikes, sportswear and cash vouchers.

And the feedback organisers have been getting from parents shows the event is having a positive effect. The post-event survey after the 2014/2015 series revealed that 84 per cent of parents thought that the TRYathlon had helped to improve their child’s self-esteem, and children almost universally felt great after receiving their medallion. Parents were happy that their children were made to feel like winners and noticed that, after registering, their children were more motivated to exercise.

And parents were sure that their children's good exercise habits would continue after the event.

To prepare for the event, parents and children can visit the Weet-Bix TRYathlon web page try.weetbix.co.nz. It is a mine of information about training for the event with weekly programmes for different age groups. It also has running, cycling and swimming tips for children.

For parents there is checklist of equipment, how to kit their kids out, what happens on race day and how to manage the transition areas.

The swim legs take place in either public pools or the sea, depending on the venue.

Generally the swims are in shallow water so competitors can stand up if they need to – although they are encouraged to try to swim all the way. And, whether it is pool or sea, there will be lifeguards on watch.

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Upcoming eve

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Look out for th e TRYathlon ev ent in your area:

Manukau (Mou ntfort Park) Dec 9, Rotorua (Kuirau Park) Dec 13, Mt Maunganui (Pilot Bay) Jan 8, Hamilton (Unive rsity Fields) Feb 14, Gisborne (Nelson Park) Feb16, Hastings (Frimley Park) Feb18, Auckland (Vellen oweth Green, St Heliers) Feb21, Hibiscus Coast (Manly Park, Whangapar aoa) April 3, Ba y of Islands (Wait angi – near Trea ty Grounds) April 10.

For more info: try.weetbix.co.n z wimming in the When kids are swimming uns parallel to sea, the course runs dren are always the beach so children w water and in pretty shallow and. never far from land. n legs will take The cycle and run place in parks, on n footpaths and roads closed to traffic so kids are always safe. The TRYathlon website has maps ps of each of the courses so o that parents and children dren can familiarise themselves with the swim, cycle and run distances.

Children, especially, ally, will feel a lot more ore confident about the race if they have a good idea a of the course.

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Art

of the

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The annual Auckland Arts Festival offers children a world full of fun and inspiration

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s part of the Auckland Arts Festival, SmartsFest offers schoolchildren the chance to explore the wonderful world of the arts.

This year organisers have about 9000 tickets for students (the bulk for schools-only matinees priced at $10-$20) but also some to public evening shows priced at $15-$20.

The festival runs from March 2-20 and features dance, installations, art displays, music, theatre and street performances from a wide variety of cultures.

The 360 All Stars are world champion athletes with beats, B Boys, basketballs and a BMX.

SmartsFest 2016 offers students a huge range of opportunities to experience the thrill and inspiration of the arts and gain insight or perhaps a different perspective on the world.

SmartsFest manager Tracey Lloyd says now the festival is being held annually, schools can more easily work it into their curriculum and use whatever performance they attend as a valuable resource.

Tracey says the three shows they are pushing for primary, intermediate and high

school-aged kids respectively are Duck, Death & the Tulip, The Science Show, and James I. For the latter there is an allocation of about 2000 tickets for students.

Duck, Death & the Tulip is a stage adaptation of the charming book by Wolf Erlbruch about the cycle of life. This award-winning, puppet-based show is a beautifully told tale for all ages.

The Science Show: Little Bang to Big Bang features Michelle Dickinson, aka Nanogirl, who will be doing a schools-only matinee

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Duck, Death & the Tulip is an award-winning, puppet-based show suitable for all ages. as well as wrapping up Family Day (Sunday March 13). She will be blowing kids away with all sorts of explosive action.

James I is part of three ‘James’ plays featuring at the festival. A British production, it is an epic ensemble drama set in Scotland in the 15th century bringing the rule and struggles of King James I to life.

Tracey says some of the school matinees will have a post-show Q&A with cast and crew that will add an extra dimension for students.

Other old favourites are back, including White Night (March 12), a free cultural event around Auckland where, from 6pm to midnight, the public can explore

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The Science Show sees Michelle Dickinson, aka Nanogirl, blowing kids away with all sorts of explosive action.

galleries, squares and laneways to experience visual art, theatre, film, design, illuminations, performances and even artist’s studios. Full details will be available in February.

Family Day (March 13) will be based around Aotea Square with performances by groups as diverse as K-Pop act ACE Crew, Belgian clowns from Circus Ronaldo, and New Wave Korean group Noreum Machi.

The square will be transformed into a creative playground with kids able to get involved in art projects and workshops.

For more info: aucklandfestival.co.nz.

For schools info click on ‘Find Event’ tab and ‘For Schools’

James I is an epic 15th century ensemble drama.

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Events DECEMBER

ASB SANTA’S BACH From Dec 4 | Wynyard Quarter

HAMILTON NIGHT MARKET Sat 19 Dec 5pm | Westfield Chart rtwell, t Hamilton

SUMMER IN THE SQUARE Until Feb 19 | Aotea Square

THE TAUPO MARKET Dec 19 | 32 Roberts St, Lake Taupo

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, MOTAT NIGHTS Dec 11-13, 18-24 8-11pm | Motat

CRAFT FESTIVAL Dec 19 8am | Parnell Community Centre

WHANGAREI CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Dec 12 4.30pm | Toll Stadium

LA CIGALE FRENCH MARKET Dec 19, 20 | 69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell

SMITH & CAUGHEY’S CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAY Until early January Smith & Caughey’s, Queen St TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Dec 16-20 | Alberton, 100 Mt Albert Rd THE WITCHES BY ROALD DAHL Dec 18, 19 | Artworks, Waiheke GVR TRAIN TO WAIUKU’S SANTA'S WONDERLAND 11am each Sunday before Christmas Leaves Waiuku Memorial Town Hall CAMBRIDGE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Dec 18, 19, 10am-8.30pm | Cambridge Town Hall

ASB PREMIERSHIP - R6 WAIBOP V AUCKLAND CITY FC Dec 20 4.35pm | Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

THE SANTA CLAUS SHOW Until Dec 22 | PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Franklin St, Freemans Bay CHRISTMAS LIGHTS HOUSE Until Dec 30 | 25 Prospect Tce, Pukekohe

STORYTIME FOR 3-5 YEAR OLDS Dec 19, 10.30-11am | Onehunga Library, 85 Church St

CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN’S SERVICE Dec 24 7pm | St George's Anglican Church, Tauranga

A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Dec 19 5pm | Mills Reef Winery, Bethlehem

SANTA IN THE SNOW Until Dec 24 | Snowplanet

DAY OF THE FAMILIA Dec 20 noon | Hamilton MOTAT LIVE! Dec 20 10am-5pm | MOTAT, 805 Great North Rd SKYCITY BREAKERS VS. ILLAWARRA HAWKS Dec 20 5pm | Vector Arena

HIPPOSPOTTINGATTHEZOO

9 TWELFTH NIGHT Jan 29 7pm | Historic Village on 17th, Tauranga

SPEND BOXING DAY AT THE ART GALLERY

LIONS AND LIONESS 16TH ANNUAL BOOK FAIR Jan 30 9am | Mount Maunganui Sports Centre HI-5 HOUSE OF DREAMS Jan 30, 31 | Bruce Mason Centre SUMMER AT AUCKLAND ZOO Daily | Western Springs STARDOME Open daily | Stardome Observatory A BOXING DAY DROP-IN Dec 26, 1-3pm | Auckland City Art Gallery

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE Jan 10 10am-4.30pm | MOTAT

NZ HERALD BOXING DAY RACES Dec 26 10am | Ellerslie Racecourse

PUBLIC SAFARI NIGHTS Jan 15 4.30pm | Auckland Zoo

NORTH ISLAND SUPER SALOON CHAMPS Dec 27 6.30pm | Baypark, Mt Maunganui

KIDS ONLY SAFARI NIGHTS Jan16 3.30pm | Auckland Zoo

K2 THE POWER Dec 27-29 9am | Raglan Rugby Club, Raglan

FAMILY MOVIE IN THE PARK Jan 16 9pm | Selwyn Park, Te Awamutu

PRANA NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Dec 30-Jan 3 | Opoutere

TAKAPUNA FAMILY BEACH DAY Jan 17 11am | Gould Reserve

GREAT LAKE TAUPO'S BIG BANG Dec 31 8.30pm-midnight | Tongariro South Domain, Taupo

SKYCITY BREAKERS VS. ILLAWARRA HAWKS Jan 17 5pm | Vector Arena

JANUARY

SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP “HIT THE STAGE Jan 18-22 | TAPAC

NZ HERALD NEW YEAR’S DAY RACES Jan 1 11am | Ellerslie Racecourse THE KELTIC FAIR Jan 2 | Coromandel APOCOLYPSE HOW? Jan 4-31 10am-5pm | MOTAT, 805 Great North Rd ACTION STATIONS January 5-24 | Torpedo Bay Navy Museum www.navymuseum.co.nz ASB CLASSIC WOMEN’S WEEK Jan 4-9 | ASB Tennis Centre, Parnell ASB CLASSIC MEN’S WEEK Jan 11-16 | ASB Tennis Centre, Parnell

JETS RUN Jan 20 6pm | Torpedo Bay Navy Museum STATE BEACH SERIES 5.30-7.30pm Tuesdays from Jan 20 | Takapuna Beach CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL & MARKET DAY Jan 23 9.30am | ASB Showgrounds BEACH FOOTBALL Jan 23 3 9am-4 4pm|| Misssio on Baay Beeach OUTBREAK MOTAT Jan 23 10-4.30 | MOTAT Avi viation i Display Hall

WAIHI BEACH SUMMER FAIR Jan 7 9am | Wilson Park, Waihi Beach PONY RIDES Jan 7, 20 | Horse Riding Auckland, 371 Woodcocks Rd, TWILIGHT CONCERT Jan 9 6pm | Katikati Haiku Pathway MCLAREN VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL Jan 10, 11, 12 11am | Tauranga

THESANTACLAUSSHOW

RAINBOW’S END Daily | Manukau City KELLY TARLTON’S Daily, 9.30am-5pm | Orakei VOYAGER NZ MARITIME MUSEUM 9am-5pm | Cnr Quay St & Hobson St GOAT ISLAND MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRE Daily 10am-4pm | Leigh TORPEDO BAY NAVY MUSEUM 10am-12.40pm | 64 King Edward Pde, Auckland BUTTERFLY CREEK 9.30am-5pm | Tom Pearce Drive CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN Daily 10am-5pm | 80 Candia Rd, Swanson CLIP ’N CLIMB Daily | 10 Dominion Rd, Balmoral ECOZIP Daily | Waiheke Island AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS Daily | Manurewa WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE AT MOTAT

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Safer city cycling New cycleways mean there’s no excuse not to get the family on their bikes this summer

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here has been a lot of talk about getting kids biking and walking to and from school – rather than being chauffer-driven – and that talk is being backed up with action and money.

Auckland Transport, in conjunction with Auckland Council and NZ Transport Authority, is overseeing a three-year programme that is putting millions of dollars into improving walking and cycling links to and within the city and links to public transport interchanges.

The strategy has two main objectives: to cut traffic congestion by reducing the

number of vehicles travelling to and from school to drop off and pick up children, and to encourage kids to walk or cycle so they exercise regularly.

The Urban Cycleways Fund is making cycling safer in the city centre, as well as providing key corridors to the east and west and integrating cycling facilities with the New Lynn and Glen Innes public transport interchanges.

There will also be wider investment in cycleways as part of the Southern Motorway, the Northern Corridor and the Western Ring Route (including

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Waterview). And cycling facilities will be constructed as part of major road projects such as the Te Atatu Rd upgrade.

Education and promotional programmes are being funded to make parents and

11 In the east, connections to the city centre will be improved, including the Glen Innes to Tamaki shared path, the eastern waterfront city connection and the Parnell routes (Newmarket to Strand). This will include a mix of separated and on-road cycle lanes, adding 10.8km to the Auckland Cycle Network, making cycling safer, more direct and comfortable.

From the west, there will be 14.6km of additional separated cycling facilities that will complete connections from the western suburbs to the city centre.

They will link to the Waterview shared path and provide improved links to the existing cycleway alongside the Northwestern Motorway. children aware of these changes and to encourage them to use these new facilities.

Auckland’s city centre will benefit from a range of separated cycleways and improved intersections to connect key parts of the city, including Quay St and the waterfront, K Rd and Upper Queen St, and some east-west connections. The cycleways will also connect with the city’s other key cycling corridors and link

workplaces, shops, schools and tertiary institutes within the central city.

One of the most exciting projects is the use of the old Nelson St offramp to provide a cycling route between Upper Queen and Victoria Sts, which could open this month. Phase 2 – due for completion next year – will extend to Quay St. The cycleway will connect to the existing Northwestern and Grafton Gully cycleways.

The upgraded cycling links to public transport at the New Lynn and Glen Innes interchanges are aimed at serving schools and growing residential areas, particularly those wanting to use trains. The New Lynn connection along the rail corridor will connect New North Road to New Lynn.

The Glen Innes connection will provide feeder routes from the transport hub to nearby neighbourhoods and schools, and through to the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) area.

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R C K E R A C

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These crafting ideas will get the kids into the festive spirit. By Jane Aubrey

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In the shape of a tree, we laid out a mixture of strawberries, white marshmallows and edible glitter. Keep an eye out on www. funwithjane.co.nz for more Christmas ideas.

id somebody say Christmas? Where has this year gone? We’ve been getting ready for the big red fella and have some great projects to share with you to make these school holidays.

We have paper plate trees, Christmas crackers and some deliciously themed crafting treats to eat. Enjoy making these projects these school holidays and have a very merry Christmas from the crafting crazies at www.funwithjane.co.nz

PAPER PLATE TREES

This is a fun project to make that will appeal to the littlies and primary-aged children, not to mention they’ll make rocking decorations for the table. And, you’ve probably got everything you need already at home.

Nice one.

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

These are so easy to make and will make for a cracking Christmas dinner. And you can put whatever you want (that fits) inside. We had a great time thinking up the jokes to go inside – and look forward to setting the table with these beauties on Christmas day. You can buy the cracker snaps separately from craft shops, but I found it cheaper and easier to get a store-bought set and use the snaps from that. Kmart had sets of 8 crackers from $2.50 which we used parts of to make our own Christmas crackers.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Sift the icing sugar and add milk gradually until you have a paste to work with.

Here’s how to go about it:

2. Tape the paper to the roll and carefully wrap around (at least once) to wrap your cracker.

2. Paint the tree and wait to dry. We used a hairdryer to speed up this process.

3. Glue on your pompoms or anyt ything t you would like to decorate your tree with, wii and voila. Your paper plate Christmas tree is done.

Here’s the recipe for your Christmas cookie house • 2 cups of icing sugar • 2 tbsp milk • 1 packet of Arnott Nice biscuits

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cut a wedge out of your paper plate - we started in the middle and cut out a quarter.

Then roll your paper plate into the shape, taping it together inside the tree/plate.

These little Christmas cuties are a simplified version of a gingerbread house that the kids will love making and eating. We saw this project on Kidspot and couldn’t help but share it with you when we were getting our Christmas craft on.

• Cardboard tubes - we used toilet rolls • Christmas cracker snaps • Wrapping paper - pick whatever theme you like. Options are endless • Twine • Sticky tape • Treasures and trinkets to go inside the cracker • Jokes 1. Cut out some paper so that it can wrap your roll - pop the cracker snap inside, and assemble the treasure you want to put in your cracker.

• Paper plates • Green paint • PVA glue • Pompoms • Sticky tape

COOKIE HOUSES

3. Using the twine, tie each end of the cracker to keep in the treasures, and voila. You have your cracking Christmas cracker.

CHRISTMAS PLATTER

This is delicious to make, eat and look at. We love strawberries, and have a lot of Christmassy things we like to do with these delicious little berries - like this lovely Christmas platter.

Lollies - we used Skittles but M&Ms, cake decoration sprinkles or such like would be super.

2. Sandwich two biscuits together with the icing mixture to make the base of the house, spread icing onto this top biscuit as well.

3. Spread some more icing along the long edge of the biscuit and press it against another to create the roof, in a V shape.

4. Decorate the houses with the lollies and the icing - and repeat the process until you have enough cookie houses.

Eat and enjoy. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone, and happy crafting.

www.funwithjane.co.nz

Aotea S uare transforms into a lush lawn featuring over 0 live music acts, dance, pe formances, the interactive playground Beambox, food trucks, veggie gardens, backyard games and more.

2 – 20 DEC 10AM – 4PM Free at Aotea Centre Full programme at aucklandlive.co.nz #aoteasquare | @aucklandlive

can you help

the animals find their christmas present? put the correct number in each box

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pocalypse JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE 4 JANUARY - 31 JANUARY 2016 A lighthearted look at the end of the world with a new world ending experience every week! Experience first hand what it would look and feel like if the world were to end in not just one, or two, but four fictional catastrophes.

www.motat.org.nz